Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving at least one configuration message from a base station; identifying a set of timing adjustment groups (TAGs) based at least in part on the at least one configuration message; identifying a set of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups based at least in part on the at least one configuration message, the set of PUCCH cell groups comprising a first PUCCH cell group and a second PUCCH cell group, at least a first serving cell of the first PUCCH cell group supporting PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group, and at least a second serving cell of the second PUCCH cell group supporting PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group; identifying, based at least in part on the at least one configuration message, an association between a first TAG of the set of TAGs and the first PUCCH cell group and an association between a second TAG of the set of TAGs and the second PUCCH cell group; and determining a timing alignment procedure for at least one of the first or second PUCCH cell groups based at least in part on the corresponding identified association.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing timing alignment and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions in user equipment (UE). The problem addressed is the efficient coordination of timing adjustments and PUCCH transmissions across multiple serving cells in a multi-cell wireless network, particularly when cells are grouped into different timing adjustment groups (TAGs) and PUCCH cell groups. The method involves receiving configuration messages from a base station to define TAGs and PUCCH cell groups. A TAG is a set of serving cells that share the same timing alignment, while a PUCCH cell group consists of cells that use a designated serving cell for PUCCH transmissions. The configuration messages specify associations between TAGs and PUCCH cell groups, ensuring that timing adjustments for cells in a TAG are synchronized with the PUCCH transmissions of their corresponding PUCCH cell group. For example, a first PUCCH cell group includes a primary serving cell that handles PUCCH transmissions for all cells in that group, while a second PUCCH cell group has its own designated serving cell. The method then determines timing alignment procedures for each PUCCH cell group based on these associations, ensuring that uplink transmissions are properly synchronized. This approach optimizes timing alignment and PUCCH resource allocation in multi-cell environments, reducing signaling overhead and improving communication efficiency.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: initiating a time alignment timer for each TAG of the set of TAGs; and performing the timing alignment procedure for a subset of serving cells in the TAGs upon expiration of one of the time alignment timers, the subset of serving cells being of the first PUCCH cell group when the expired one of the timing alignment timers corresponds to the first TAG, the subset of serving cells being of the second PUCCH cell group when the expired one of the timing alignment timers corresponds to the second TAG.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in carrier aggregation scenarios, maintaining precise timing alignment between a user device and multiple serving cells is critical for efficient uplink transmissions. The invention addresses the challenge of managing timing alignment procedures for different groups of serving cells, each associated with a separate physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell group. The method involves initiating a time alignment timer for each timing advance group (TAG) in the system. When one of these timers expires, a timing alignment procedure is triggered for a subset of serving cells within the corresponding TAG. If the expired timer belongs to the first TAG, the procedure is performed for a subset of serving cells in the first PUCCH cell group. Similarly, if the expired timer corresponds to the second TAG, the procedure is applied to a subset of serving cells in the second PUCCH cell group. This approach ensures that timing alignment is maintained efficiently across multiple TAGs, reducing unnecessary signaling and improving overall system performance. The method dynamically adjusts the timing alignment process based on timer expirations, optimizing resource usage and minimizing latency in uplink transmissions.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the timing alignment procedure comprises at least one of: notifying a radio resource control (RRC) control entity to release a PUCCH in a PUCCH-enabled cell; notifying the RRC control entity to release a sounding reference signal (SRS); flushing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) buffer for a serving cell; clearing a downlink (DL) assignment for a serving cell; or clearing an uplink (UL) grant for a serving cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing timing alignment procedures in a user equipment (UE) device. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently handle timing alignment adjustments in a wireless network, particularly when a UE transitions between different cells or communication states, to avoid unnecessary signaling and resource consumption. The method involves performing a timing alignment procedure that includes one or more of the following actions: releasing a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) in a PUCCH-enabled cell by notifying a radio resource control (RRC) entity, releasing a sounding reference signal (SRS) by notifying the RRC entity, flushing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) buffer for a serving cell, clearing a downlink (DL) assignment for a serving cell, or clearing an uplink (UL) grant for a serving cell. These actions ensure that the UE properly synchronizes with the network while minimizing resource waste and signaling overhead. The procedure helps maintain efficient communication by managing uplink and downlink resources, HARQ processes, and control channels during timing alignment adjustments. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where the UE moves between cells or when timing alignment needs to be re-established.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein identifying the association comprises: identifying an association between the set of PUCCH cell groups and a primary TAG (pTAG); wherein the set of TAGs consists of the pTAG.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions in a multi-cell environment. The problem addressed is efficiently handling PUCCH transmissions when a user device (UE) is connected to multiple cells, ensuring proper synchronization and resource allocation. The method involves identifying an association between a set of PUCCH cell groups and a primary timing advance group (pTAG). The set of TAGs consists solely of the pTAG, meaning all PUCCH transmissions are managed under a single timing reference. This approach simplifies synchronization by ensuring all PUCCH transmissions align with the timing of the primary cell, reducing complexity in multi-cell configurations. The method ensures that uplink control information is transmitted reliably while maintaining efficient resource usage. This is particularly useful in scenarios where a UE communicates with multiple cells but requires centralized timing control for PUCCH transmissions. The solution optimizes network performance by minimizing timing misalignment and reducing signaling overhead.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising: initiating a time alignment timer for the pTAG; and performing a timing alignment procedure for serving cells of the set of PUCCH cell groups upon expiration of the time alignment timer.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to timing alignment procedures in networks with multiple serving cells. The problem addressed is ensuring proper synchronization between a user device and multiple serving cells, particularly when the device is configured with multiple physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups. Without proper timing alignment, uplink transmissions may fail or cause interference. The method involves managing timing alignment for a primary timing advance group (pTAG) and secondary timing advance groups (sTAGs). When a timing alignment timer for the pTAG expires, a timing alignment procedure is triggered for all serving cells within the set of PUCCH cell groups. This ensures that uplink transmissions from the device remain synchronized with the network, even when multiple cell groups are active. The procedure may involve receiving timing advance commands from the network and adjusting the device's transmission timing accordingly. This approach helps maintain reliable communication in scenarios where the device is connected to multiple cells, such as in carrier aggregation or dual connectivity setups. The invention improves network efficiency and reduces the risk of transmission errors due to misalignment.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the first TAG is a primary TAG (pTAG); the second TAG is a PUCCH secondary TAG (psTAG); and the set of TAGs comprises the pTAG and the psTAG.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing timing advance groups (TAGs) in user equipment (UE) devices. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently coordinate uplink transmissions from a UE to a base station when the UE is configured with multiple TAGs, particularly when one TAG is designated as primary and another as secondary for physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions. The method involves configuring a UE with a set of TAGs, where one TAG is designated as a primary TAG (pTAG) and another as a PUCCH secondary TAG (psTAG). The pTAG is used for timing advance (TA) adjustments and synchronization with the base station, while the psTAG is specifically used for PUCCH transmissions. The set of TAGs includes both the pTAG and the psTAG, allowing the UE to manage uplink transmissions across multiple timing references. This approach ensures that PUCCH transmissions, which are critical for control signaling, are handled by a dedicated TAG, improving reliability and reducing latency in uplink communications. The method optimizes resource allocation and synchronization in scenarios where a UE communicates with multiple cells or beams, enhancing overall system efficiency.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising: initiating a first time alignment timer for the pTAG and a second time alignment timer for the psTAG; and performing a timing alignment procedure for the serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group upon expiration of the first time alignment timer or for the serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group upon expiration of the second time alignment timer.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to timing alignment procedures for user equipment (UE) communicating with multiple serving cells in a network. The problem addressed is ensuring proper synchronization between the UE and multiple serving cells, particularly when the UE is configured with multiple Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) cell groups, each requiring independent timing alignment. The invention describes a method for managing timing alignment in a wireless communication system where a UE is configured with at least two PUCCH cell groups. Each PUCCH cell group includes one or more serving cells, and the UE is assigned a primary timing advance group (pTAG) and a secondary timing advance group (psTAG). The method involves initiating separate time alignment timers for the pTAG and psTAG. Upon expiration of the first timer, a timing alignment procedure is performed for the serving cells in the first PUCCH cell group. Similarly, upon expiration of the second timer, a timing alignment procedure is performed for the serving cells in the second PUCCH cell group. This ensures that timing alignment is maintained independently for each PUCCH cell group, preventing synchronization issues when the UE communicates with multiple cells. The method helps optimize uplink transmissions by ensuring accurate timing alignment for each cell group, reducing interference and improving communication reliability.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein identifying the association comprises: identifying an association between a secondary TAG (sTAG) and either the first or second PUCCH cell groups; wherein the set of TAGs comprises the sTAG.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions in scenarios involving multiple timing advance groups (TAGs). The problem addressed is ensuring proper synchronization and timing alignment for PUCCH transmissions when a secondary TAG (sTAG) is associated with one of two PUCCH cell groups, which can lead to timing misalignment and transmission errors. The method involves identifying an association between a secondary TAG (sTAG) and either a first or second PUCCH cell group. The system includes a set of TAGs, which comprises the sTAG. The association step ensures that the sTAG is correctly linked to the appropriate PUCCH cell group, allowing the system to apply the correct timing advance (TA) for uplink transmissions. This prevents timing misalignment, which can occur when a secondary cell (SCell) in the sTAG is configured with a PUCCH resource but the TA is not properly synchronized with the PUCCH cell group. By explicitly associating the sTAG with a PUCCH cell group, the method ensures that the timing advance for the sTAG is derived from the same timing reference as the PUCCH cell group it is linked to. This improves reliability and reduces errors in uplink control channel transmissions, particularly in carrier aggregation scenarios where multiple TAGs are used. The solution is applicable in wireless communication systems such as 5G NR, where efficient PUCCH management is critical for maintaining low-latency and high-reliability communications.
9. The method of claim 6 , wherein identifying the association comprises: identifying an association between a third serving cell of a secondary TAG (sTAG) and the first PUCCH cell group; and identifying an association between a fourth serving cell of the sTAG and the second PUCCH cell group; wherein the set of TAGs comprises the sTAG.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in carrier aggregation scenarios, user equipment (UE) must efficiently manage uplink control signaling across multiple serving cells. A key challenge is ensuring proper handling of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions when serving cells belong to different timing advance groups (TAGs), which can lead to timing misalignment and signaling conflicts. This invention addresses this problem by defining a method for associating serving cells with PUCCH cell groups to maintain synchronization and avoid control channel collisions. The method involves identifying associations between serving cells of a secondary TAG (sTAG) and two distinct PUCCH cell groups. Specifically, a third serving cell of the sTAG is associated with a first PUCCH cell group, while a fourth serving cell of the same sTAG is associated with a second PUCCH cell group. This ensures that uplink control information (UCI) from different serving cells within the same sTAG is correctly routed to the appropriate PUCCH resources, preventing timing conflicts. The solution leverages the sTAG structure to maintain synchronization across aggregated carriers while optimizing PUCCH resource allocation. This approach enhances reliability and efficiency in multi-carrier wireless communication systems.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising: initiating a first time alignment timer for the pTAG and a second time alignment timer for the psTAG; and performing a time alignment procedure for the serving cells associated with the first PUCCH cell group upon expiration of the first time alignment timer or for the serving cells associated with the second PUCCH cell group upon expiration of the second time alignment timer.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to time alignment procedures for user equipment (UE) communicating with multiple serving cells. The problem addressed is managing time alignment in scenarios where a UE is configured with multiple physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups, each associated with different serving cells. The invention provides a method to independently manage time alignment timers for these groups to ensure proper uplink synchronization. The method involves initiating a first time alignment timer for a primary timing advance group (pTAG) and a second time alignment timer for a secondary timing advance group (psTAG). Each timer is associated with a respective PUCCH cell group. Upon expiration of the first timer, a time alignment procedure is performed for the serving cells in the first PUCCH cell group. Similarly, upon expiration of the second timer, a time alignment procedure is performed for the serving cells in the second PUCCH cell group. This ensures that time alignment is maintained separately for each group, preventing synchronization issues when multiple PUCCH groups are active. The method supports efficient uplink control signaling in multi-group configurations, improving reliability and reducing interference in wireless networks.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein: the serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group comprise a primary cell (PCell) that supports PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group; and the serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group comprise a PUCCH-enabled secondary cell (PSCell) that supports PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in carrier aggregation scenarios, user equipment (UE) must efficiently manage uplink control information (UCI) transmissions across multiple cells. A challenge arises when a UE is configured with multiple PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) cell groups, each requiring dedicated PUCCH resources. This invention addresses the need for clear assignment of PUCCH responsibilities within these groups to ensure reliable UCI transmission. The invention describes a method for configuring PUCCH cell groups in a wireless communication system. The system includes a first PUCCH cell group and a second PUCCH cell group, each responsible for handling UCI from different sets of serving cells. The first PUCCH cell group includes a primary cell (PCell) that acts as the anchor for PUCCH transmissions, managing UCI for all serving cells within this group. Similarly, the second PUCCH cell group includes a PUCCH-enabled secondary cell (PSCell) that serves the same role for its associated serving cells. This dual-group structure ensures that UCI is transmitted efficiently without conflicts, leveraging the PCell and PSCell as central points for control signaling. The method optimizes resource allocation and reduces signaling overhead by clearly defining the roles of the PCell and PSCell in each group, enhancing overall system performance and reliability.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the association between the set of TAGs and the set of PUCCH cell groups is asymmetric.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources in cellular networks. The problem addressed is the efficient allocation and management of PUCCH resources to reduce interference and improve communication reliability, particularly in scenarios where multiple cells or cell groups are involved. The method involves associating a set of transmission configuration indicator (TAG) groups with a set of PUCCH cell groups. The key innovation is that this association is asymmetric, meaning the mapping between TAG groups and PUCCH cell groups does not require a one-to-one or symmetric relationship. This allows for flexible and optimized resource allocation, where different TAG groups can be linked to different PUCCH cell groups based on network conditions, traffic patterns, or interference considerations. The asymmetric association enables more efficient use of PUCCH resources, reducing overhead and improving overall system performance. The method may also include determining the association based on factors such as signal quality, interference levels, or network load, and dynamically adjusting the association as conditions change. This dynamic approach ensures that PUCCH resources are allocated in a way that minimizes interference and maximizes reliability, particularly in dense or heterogeneous network environments. The asymmetric nature of the association allows for greater flexibility in managing uplink control signaling, leading to improved efficiency and performance in wireless communication systems.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: communicating, based at least in part on the determined timing alignment procedure, on the serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group and on the serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing timing alignment in multi-cell networks. The problem addressed is ensuring proper synchronization between a user device and multiple serving cells, particularly when the device is configured with multiple Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) cell groups. In such scenarios, maintaining accurate timing alignment across different cell groups is critical to avoid interference and ensure reliable communication. The method involves determining a timing alignment procedure for a user device connected to multiple serving cells, where these cells belong to at least two distinct PUCCH cell groups. The timing alignment procedure is based on timing advance (TA) commands received from the network, which adjust the device's transmission timing to compensate for propagation delays. The method then applies this determined timing alignment to both the first and second PUCCH cell groups, ensuring synchronized communication across all serving cells. This approach prevents misalignment between different cell groups, which could lead to uplink interference or transmission errors. The solution is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks where devices may be served by multiple cells simultaneously, such as in carrier aggregation or dual connectivity scenarios. By dynamically adjusting timing alignment, the method ensures efficient and reliable uplink communication in complex network configurations.
14. A method of wireless communication at a base station, comprising: configuring a primary timing adjustment group (pTAG) for a user equipment (UE); configuring a set of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups for the UE, the set of PUCCH cell groups comprising a first PUCCH cell group and a second PUCCH cell group, at least a first serving cell of the first PUCCH cell group supporting PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group, and at least a second serving cell of the second PUCCH cell group supporting PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group; associating a first set of serving cells of the pTAG with the first PUCCH cell group; and transmitting, to the UE, at least one configuration message indicating information related to an association between the pTAG and the first and second PUCCH cell groups based at least in part on the associating.
In wireless communication systems, managing timing adjustments and uplink control signaling for user equipment (UE) across multiple cells is critical for maintaining synchronization and efficient resource utilization. A method at a base station addresses this by configuring a primary timing adjustment group (pTAG) and multiple physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups to optimize timing alignment and control signaling. The pTAG is established to manage timing adjustments for the UE, ensuring synchronized uplink transmissions. Additionally, a set of PUCCH cell groups is configured, including at least a first and second PUCCH cell group. Each PUCCH cell group contains serving cells where at least one cell in each group supports PUCCH transmissions for all cells within that group. The method associates a subset of serving cells from the pTAG with the first PUCCH cell group, allowing centralized timing and control signaling management. The base station then transmits configuration messages to the UE, detailing the association between the pTAG and the PUCCH cell groups. This approach enhances timing alignment and control signaling efficiency in multi-cell wireless networks, particularly in scenarios with diverse cell configurations and timing requirements.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising: associating a second set of serving cells of the pTAG with the second PUCCH cell group.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in scenarios involving multiple transmission and reception points (TRPs) or cells, efficient uplink control channel (PUCCH) management is critical for maintaining reliable communication. The invention addresses the challenge of dynamically managing PUCCH resources in a primary timing advance group (pTAG) that includes multiple serving cells. The method involves grouping serving cells within the pTAG into distinct PUCCH cell groups, where each group is associated with a specific PUCCH cell. This grouping allows for optimized PUCCH resource allocation and reduces interference by ensuring that control signaling from different cell groups does not overlap. The method further includes associating a second set of serving cells within the pTAG with a second PUCCH cell group, enabling flexible and scalable PUCCH resource management. This approach enhances system efficiency by dynamically adjusting PUCCH assignments based on network conditions and user equipment (UE) requirements, improving overall communication reliability and performance. The solution is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks, such as 5G and beyond, where multiple cells and TRPs are commonly deployed to support high data rates and low latency.
16. The method of claim 14 , further comprising: configuring a PUCCH secondary timing adjustment group (TAG) (psTAG) for the UE; and associating the psTAG with the second PUCCH cell group.
A method for managing physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) timing adjustments in a wireless communication system addresses the challenge of synchronizing uplink control signaling across multiple cells in a user equipment (UE) device. The method involves configuring a secondary timing adjustment group (TAG) specifically for PUCCH, referred to as a PUCCH secondary TAG (psTAG), to handle timing adjustments for a second PUCCH cell group. This psTAG is distinct from the primary TAG used for the primary cell and other secondary cells, ensuring that timing adjustments for PUCCH transmissions are managed independently. The method also includes associating the psTAG with the second PUCCH cell group, allowing the UE to apply timing adjustments tailored to the specific requirements of that group. This approach improves synchronization accuracy and reduces interference, particularly in scenarios where multiple cells are involved in uplink control signaling. The method may also include configuring a primary TAG for the primary cell and associating it with a first PUCCH cell group, ensuring that timing adjustments are applied consistently across all relevant cells. The use of separate TAGs for different PUCCH cell groups enhances flexibility and efficiency in managing uplink control signaling in heterogeneous network environments.
17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising: configuring a secondary TAG (sTAG) for the UE; and associating the sTAG with either the first or second PUCCH cell groups.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to techniques for managing multiple uplink control channels in a user equipment (UE) device operating in a multi-cell environment. The problem addressed is the efficient handling of uplink control information (UCI) when a UE is connected to multiple cells, particularly in scenarios where the UE must transmit UCI on different physical uplink control channels (PUCCHs) associated with different cell groups. The invention provides a method to improve UCI transmission reliability and reduce signaling overhead by dynamically configuring and associating secondary timing advance groups (sTAGs) with specific PUCCH cell groups. The method involves configuring a secondary TAG for the UE, which is a timing advance group used to synchronize uplink transmissions to different cells. The secondary TAG is then associated with either a first or second PUCCH cell group, which are sets of cells that share a common PUCCH resource for UCI transmission. By associating the sTAG with a PUCCH cell group, the UE can ensure that UCI is transmitted with the correct timing advance, reducing the risk of misalignment and improving communication efficiency. This approach allows the UE to manage multiple PUCCH resources more effectively, particularly in carrier aggregation or dual connectivity scenarios where multiple cells are involved. The method helps optimize resource utilization and minimizes signaling overhead by dynamically adjusting TAG associations based on network conditions and UE capabilities.
18. The method of claim 16 , further comprising: configuring a secondary TAG (sTAG) for the UE; associating a first set of serving cells of the sTAG with the first PUCCH cell group; and associating a second set of serving cells of the sTAG with the second PUCCH cell group.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing uplink control signaling in multi-cell environments. The problem addressed is efficient handling of uplink control information (UCI) in scenarios where a user equipment (UE) is connected to multiple serving cells, particularly when these cells are grouped into different physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups. The method involves configuring a secondary timing advance group (sTAG) for the UE, which allows for more flexible timing alignment management across multiple cells. The sTAG is divided into two distinct sets of serving cells. The first set of cells within the sTAG is associated with a first PUCCH cell group, while the second set of cells is associated with a second PUCCH cell group. This grouping ensures that UCI, such as acknowledgments or channel state information, is transmitted on the appropriate PUCCH resource based on the cell group association. The approach optimizes resource utilization and reduces signaling overhead by dynamically aligning timing and control channels according to the configured groups. This is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks where UEs may operate with multiple serving cells, such as in carrier aggregation or dual connectivity scenarios.
19. The method of claim 14 , wherein: the serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group comprise a primary cell (PCell) that supports PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group; and the serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group comprise a PUCCH-enabled secondary cell (PSCell) that supports PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G and beyond, user equipment (UE) must efficiently manage uplink control information (UCI) transmissions across multiple cells to maintain reliable communication. A key challenge is coordinating UCI transmissions when a UE is connected to multiple cells, including both a primary cell (PCell) and secondary cells (SCells), to ensure proper scheduling and resource allocation. This invention addresses this challenge by defining a method for grouping serving cells into distinct PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) cell groups, each with a designated anchor cell for handling UCI transmissions. The method involves partitioning serving cells into at least two PUCCH cell groups. The first group includes a PCell, which serves as the anchor cell for UCI transmissions for all cells in this group. The second group includes a PUCCH-enabled secondary cell (PSCell), which functions as the anchor for UCI transmissions for its associated cells. This grouping allows the UE to efficiently manage UCI transmissions by directing them through the appropriate anchor cell, reducing signaling overhead and improving resource utilization. The PSCell, while not a PCell, is configured to support PUCCH transmissions, enabling flexible and scalable network configurations. This approach enhances reliability and efficiency in multi-cell environments, particularly in scenarios with dual connectivity or carrier aggregation.
20. The method of claim 14 , further comprising: initiating a time alignment timer for the pTAG and a PUCCH secondary TAG (psTAG).
A method for managing time alignment in wireless communication systems, particularly for devices operating with multiple timing advance groups (TAGs). The method addresses the challenge of maintaining synchronization between a primary TAG (pTAG) and a secondary TAG (sTAG) when using physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources. The method involves initiating a time alignment timer for both the pTAG and a PUCCH secondary TAG (psTAG). This ensures that the device remains synchronized with the network, preventing communication errors due to misalignment. The method may also include adjusting the time alignment timer based on network conditions or device mobility, ensuring reliable uplink control signaling. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where a device communicates with multiple cells or base stations, requiring precise timing adjustments to avoid interference and maintain data integrity. The method may further involve monitoring the time alignment timer to detect expiration and trigger re-synchronization procedures if necessary. This approach enhances the efficiency and reliability of wireless communication by dynamically managing time alignment for multiple TAGs.
21. The method of claim 14 , further comprising: initiating a time alignment timer for a secondary TAG (sTAG).
A system and method for managing time synchronization in wireless communication networks, particularly for secondary timing advance groups (sTAGs) in devices supporting multiple timing advance groups (TAGs). The invention addresses the challenge of maintaining precise timing alignment in wireless networks where devices communicate with multiple base stations or cells, each requiring independent timing adjustments. The method involves initiating a time alignment timer specifically for an sTAG, ensuring that timing alignment is maintained for secondary cells or base stations while the device is actively communicating with a primary TAG. This prevents synchronization loss and data transmission errors in multi-cell environments. The time alignment timer for the sTAG is triggered to monitor and adjust timing alignment, compensating for propagation delays and ensuring reliable communication. The invention is particularly useful in advanced wireless systems like LTE or 5G, where devices may connect to multiple cells simultaneously for improved coverage and capacity. By dynamically managing timing alignment for sTAGs, the method enhances network efficiency and reduces the risk of communication failures due to misaligned timing. The solution integrates with existing wireless protocols to provide seamless synchronization across multiple TAGs, supporting high-speed data transmission and stable connectivity.
22. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: receive at least one configuration message from a base station; identify a set of timing adjustment groups (TAGs) based at least in part on the at least one configuration message; identify a set of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups based at least in part on the at least one configuration message, the set of PUCCH cell groups comprising a first PUCCH cell group and a second PUCCH cell group, at least a first serving cell of the first PUCCH cell group supporting PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group, and at least a second serving cell of the second PUCCH cell group supporting PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group; identify, based at least in part on the at least one configuration message, an association between a first TAG of the set of TAGs and the first PUCCH cell group and an association between a second TAG of the set of TAGs and the second PUCCH cell group; and determine a timing alignment procedure for at least one of the first or second PUCCH cell groups based at least in part on the corresponding identified association.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically managing timing alignment and uplink control channel transmissions in user equipment (UE) operating with multiple serving cells. The problem addressed is ensuring proper synchronization and efficient uplink control signaling in scenarios where a UE communicates with multiple cells, each potentially having different timing requirements. The apparatus includes a processor and memory storing instructions executable to receive configuration messages from a base station. The UE identifies timing adjustment groups (TAGs) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups from these messages. Each PUCCH cell group contains serving cells that rely on a designated cell within the group for PUCCH transmissions. For example, a first PUCCH cell group includes a primary serving cell handling PUCCH for its member cells, while a second PUCCH cell group has a separate primary cell for its PUCCH transmissions. The UE also determines associations between TAGs and PUCCH cell groups. A first TAG is linked to the first PUCCH cell group, and a second TAG is linked to the second PUCCH cell group. Based on these associations, the UE performs timing alignment procedures to synchronize uplink transmissions for the respective PUCCH cell groups. This ensures that timing adjustments are applied correctly to maintain synchronization across multiple cells, optimizing uplink control signaling efficiency.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: initiate a time alignment timer for each TAG of the set of TAGs; and perform the timing alignment procedure for a subset of serving cells in the TAGs upon expiration of one of the time alignment timers, the subset of serving cells being of the first PUCCH cell group when the expired one of the timing alignment timers corresponds to the first TAG, the subset of serving cells being of the second PUCCH cell group when the expired one of the timing alignment timers corresponds to the second TAG.
In wireless communication systems, particularly in multi-cell environments, maintaining precise timing alignment between a user device and multiple serving cells is critical for efficient uplink transmissions. The invention addresses the challenge of managing timing alignment procedures for multiple timing advance groups (TAGs) in a device configured with dual uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups. The apparatus includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, enable the device to handle timing alignment for multiple TAGs. For each TAG, a time alignment timer is initiated. Upon expiration of any timer, the device performs a timing alignment procedure for a subset of serving cells associated with the expired timer. If the expired timer corresponds to the first TAG, the subset includes serving cells from the first PUCCH cell group. If the expired timer corresponds to the second TAG, the subset includes serving cells from the second PUCCH cell group. This approach ensures that timing alignment procedures are efficiently coordinated across multiple TAGs, reducing signaling overhead and improving uplink transmission reliability in dual-PUCCH configurations. The apparatus may also include a transceiver for communicating with the serving cells and a memory for storing timing alignment parameters. The timing alignment procedure may involve adjusting transmission timing based on received timing advance commands.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the timing alignment procedure comprises at least one of: notifying a radio resource control (RRC) control entity to release a PUCCH in a PUCCH-enabled cell; notifying the RRC control entity to release an SRS; flushing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) buffer for a serving cell; clearing a downlink (DL) assignment for a serving cell; or clearing an uplink (UL) grant for a serving cell.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses and methods for managing timing alignment procedures in a user equipment (UE) device. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently handle timing alignment adjustments, particularly when a UE transitions between different cells or communication states, to ensure proper synchronization and resource management. The apparatus includes a processor configured to execute a timing alignment procedure that involves one or more of the following actions: notifying a radio resource control (RRC) entity to release a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) in a PUCCH-enabled cell, notifying the RRC entity to release a sounding reference signal (SRS), flushing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) buffer for a serving cell, clearing a downlink (DL) assignment for a serving cell, or clearing an uplink (UL) grant for a serving cell. These actions help maintain synchronization and prevent resource conflicts when the UE adjusts its timing alignment with the network. The procedure ensures that outdated or unnecessary configurations are removed, reducing interference and improving communication efficiency. The apparatus may also include a transceiver for wireless communication and a memory for storing configuration data. The timing alignment procedure is triggered when the UE detects a timing misalignment or transitions between cells, ensuring seamless and efficient communication.
25. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: identify an association between the set of PUCCH cell groups and a primary TAG (pTAG); wherein the set of TAGs consists of the pTAG.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving the handling of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions in scenarios involving multiple timing advance groups (TAGs). The problem addressed is the inefficiency and complexity in managing PUCCH transmissions when a user equipment (UE) is configured with multiple TAGs, particularly when the PUCCH is associated with a primary TAG (pTAG). The apparatus includes a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The instructions configure the apparatus to identify an association between a set of PUCCH cell groups and a primary TAG (pTAG), where the set of TAGs consists solely of the pTAG. This means the PUCCH transmissions are confined to the primary TAG, simplifying timing alignment and reducing signaling overhead. The apparatus may also determine a timing advance (TA) for the pTAG and apply this TA to the PUCCH transmissions, ensuring proper synchronization. Additionally, the apparatus may receive configuration information specifying the association between the PUCCH cell groups and the pTAG, allowing dynamic adjustments based on network conditions. This approach optimizes resource utilization and minimizes delays in uplink control signaling.
26. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein: the first TAG is a primary TAG (pTAG); the second TAG is a PUCCH secondary TAG (psTAG); and the set of TAGs comprises the pTAG and the psTAG.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses for managing timing advance groups (TAGs) in user equipment (UE) devices. The problem addressed is the need for efficient synchronization and uplink transmission scheduling in scenarios where a UE communicates with a base station using multiple TAGs, particularly when one TAG is designated as primary and another as secondary for physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions. The apparatus includes a processor configured to manage a set of TAGs, where the first TAG is a primary TAG (pTAG) and the second TAG is a PUCCH secondary TAG (psTAG). The pTAG handles timing advance adjustments for the primary cell, ensuring proper synchronization for uplink transmissions. The psTAG is specifically designated for PUCCH transmissions, allowing the UE to send control information such as acknowledgments or channel state reports on a secondary cell. The set of TAGs comprises both the pTAG and the psTAG, enabling the UE to maintain separate timing alignments for different cells while optimizing uplink control signaling. This configuration improves efficiency in multi-cell scenarios by reducing latency and ensuring reliable control channel transmissions. The apparatus may also include a transceiver for communicating with the base station and a memory for storing timing advance values and configuration parameters.
27. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein: the serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group comprise a primary cell (PCell); and the serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group comprise a PUCCH-enabled secondary cell (PSCell).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to managing physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources in multi-cell configurations. The problem addressed is efficiently organizing PUCCH resources across multiple serving cells to improve control signaling reliability and reduce overhead in advanced wireless networks, such as 5G New Radio (NR). The apparatus includes a wireless communication device configured to operate with multiple serving cells grouped into at least two PUCCH cell groups. The first PUCCH cell group includes a primary cell (PCell), which serves as the primary connection anchor for control signaling. The second PUCCH cell group includes a PUCCH-enabled secondary cell (PSCell), which acts as a secondary anchor for control signaling, particularly in dual connectivity scenarios like EN-DC (E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity). The PSCell provides redundancy and load balancing for uplink control information (UCI) transmission, such as hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) acknowledgments, channel state information (CSI), and scheduling requests (SRs). By separating PUCCH resources into distinct cell groups, the apparatus ensures robust control signaling even when certain cells experience interference or congestion. The PCell handles critical control functions, while the PSCell enhances reliability and capacity. This grouping optimizes resource allocation and reduces signaling delays, improving overall network performance. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios requiring seamless handover and efficient UCI transmission in heterogeneous network environments.
28. The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: communicate, based at least in part on the determined timing alignment procedure, on the serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group and on the serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to managing timing alignment procedures for user equipment (UE) communicating with multiple serving cells in a network. The problem addressed is ensuring proper synchronization between the UE and the network when the UE is connected to multiple cells, particularly when those cells are grouped into different Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) cell groups. Without proper timing alignment, uplink transmissions may suffer from interference or misalignment, degrading communication performance. The apparatus includes a processor and instructions executable by the processor to determine a timing alignment procedure for the UE. The timing alignment procedure is used to synchronize uplink transmissions from the UE to the network. The apparatus then communicates with the UE on serving cells of a first PUCCH cell group and on serving cells of a second PUCCH cell group, based at least in part on the determined timing alignment procedure. This ensures that uplink transmissions from the UE are properly synchronized across both cell groups, maintaining reliable communication. The apparatus may also handle additional functions such as receiving timing alignment commands from the network and adjusting the UE's transmission timing accordingly. The invention improves communication efficiency and reliability in multi-cell wireless networks by ensuring proper timing alignment across different PUCCH cell groups.
29. An apparatus for wireless communication at a base station, comprising: a processor; memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions stored in the memory, wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: configure a primary timing adjustment group (pTAG) for a user equipment (UE); configure a set of physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) cell groups for the UE, the set of PUCCH cell groups comprising a first PUCCH cell group and a second PUCCH cell group, at least a first serving cell of the first PUCCH cell group supporting PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the first PUCCH cell group, and at least a second serving cell of the second PUCCH cell group supporting PUCCH transmissions for serving cells of the second PUCCH cell group; associate a first set of serving cells of the pTAG with the first PUCCH cell group; and transmit, to the UE, at least one configuration message indicating information related to an association between the pTAG and the first and second PUCCH cell groups based at least in part on the associating.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving uplink control channel (PUCCH) management in multi-cell environments. The problem addressed is efficient timing adjustment and PUCCH resource allocation for user equipment (UE) connected to multiple serving cells, particularly in scenarios where cells are grouped for timing and control signaling purposes. The apparatus at a base station includes a processor and memory storing instructions to configure a primary timing adjustment group (pTAG) for a UE. The pTAG manages timing alignment for multiple serving cells. The apparatus also configures multiple PUCCH cell groups, where each group includes at least one serving cell that supports PUCCH transmissions for other cells in the same group. For example, a first PUCCH cell group includes a first serving cell handling PUCCH for its group, and a second PUCCH cell group includes a second serving cell handling PUCCH for its group. The apparatus associates a subset of serving cells from the pTAG with the first PUCCH cell group. This association ensures that timing adjustments and PUCCH resources are coordinated between the pTAG and the PUCCH cell groups. The base station transmits configuration messages to the UE, specifying how the pTAG and PUCCH cell groups are linked, enabling the UE to manage uplink control signaling efficiently across multiple cells. This approach optimizes resource usage and reduces signaling overhead in multi-cell wireless networks.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: associate a second set of serving cells of the pTAG with the second PUCCH cell group.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to managing physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resources in a multi-cell environment. The problem addressed is efficiently grouping serving cells to optimize PUCCH resource allocation in scenarios where a primary timing advance group (pTAG) includes multiple serving cells. The solution involves dynamically associating sets of serving cells within the pTAG to different PUCCH cell groups, allowing for flexible and efficient uplink control signaling. The apparatus includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, enable the processor to perform this grouping. The instructions further allow the apparatus to associate a second set of serving cells within the pTAG to a second PUCCH cell group, ensuring proper synchronization and resource management. This approach improves system efficiency by reducing signaling overhead and ensuring timely uplink control transmissions. The invention is particularly useful in advanced wireless networks where multiple cells must be coordinated to maintain reliable communication links.
31. The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to cause the apparatus to: configure a PUCCH secondary timing adjustment group (TAG) (psTAG) for the UE; and associate the psTAG with the second PUCCH cell group.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to managing physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) timing adjustments in user equipment (UE) operating with multiple timing advance groups (TAGs). The problem addressed is the need for precise timing alignment in PUCCH transmissions when a UE communicates with multiple cells, particularly in scenarios where different cells may have varying propagation delays. Traditional methods may not efficiently handle timing adjustments for PUCCH transmissions across multiple cells, leading to potential synchronization issues. The invention describes an apparatus that includes a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The apparatus is configured to establish a secondary timing adjustment group (TAG) specifically for PUCCH, referred to as a PUCCH secondary TAG (psTAG). This psTAG is associated with a second PUCCH cell group, distinct from a primary TAG. The psTAG allows for independent timing adjustments tailored to the PUCCH transmissions of the second cell group, improving synchronization and reducing interference. The apparatus may also include a transceiver for wireless communication and a power supply. The invention ensures that PUCCH transmissions from different cell groups are properly aligned, enhancing overall system performance and reliability in multi-cell environments.
32. The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein: the first PUCCH cell group is a set of serving cells comprising a primary cell (PCell); and the second PUCCH cell group is a set of serving cells comprising a PUCCH-enabled secondary cell (PSCell).
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to apparatuses for managing physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions in multi-cell configurations. The problem addressed is efficient PUCCH resource allocation and management in scenarios where a user equipment (UE) is served by multiple cells, including a primary cell (PCell) and secondary cells, some of which may be PUCCH-enabled (PSCell). The apparatus includes a first PUCCH cell group and a second PUCCH cell group. The first PUCCH cell group consists of a set of serving cells that includes the PCell, which is the primary cell responsible for control signaling and mobility management. The second PUCCH cell group consists of a set of serving cells that includes a PUCCH-enabled secondary cell (PSCell), which is a secondary cell configured to handle PUCCH transmissions for uplink control information (UCI) such as acknowledgments, channel state information, and scheduling requests. This separation allows for optimized PUCCH resource allocation, reducing interference and improving reliability in multi-cell environments. The apparatus may further include a processor to manage PUCCH transmissions across these cell groups, ensuring proper handling of UCI based on the cell group configuration. This solution enhances communication efficiency and reliability in advanced wireless networks.
Unknown
October 29, 2019
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